Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes, 21316-21318 [E7-8178]

Download as PDF 21316 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 82 / Monday, April 30, 2007 / Notices Maryland. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Dustin N. Sullivan Mr. Sullivan, 24, has had amblyopia in his right eye since childhood. The best corrected visual acuity in his right eye is 20/100 and in the left, 20/20. Following an examination in 2006, his ophthalmologist noted, ‘‘In my medical opinion, Dustin Sullivan has sufficient vision to perform driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Sullivan reported that he has driven straight trucks for 5 years, accumulating 250,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 31⁄2 years, accumulating 157,500 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Maryland. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Thomas E. Summers Mr. Summers, 59, has loss of vision in his right eye due to a traumatic injury sustained as a child. The best corrected visual acuity in his right eye is light perception and in the left, 20/25. Following an examination in 2006, his ophthalmologist noted, ‘‘I believe he has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Summers reported that he has driven tractor-trailer combinations for 29 years, accumulating 2 million miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Ohio. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and one conviction for a moving violation, speed in a CMV. He exceeded the speed limit by 8 mph. Jon C. Thompson Mr. Thompson, 48, has had latent nystagmus in his left eye since birth. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/ 25 and in the left, 20/200. Following an examination in 2006, his ophthalmologist noted, ‘‘It is my opinion that in his current medical status, that Mr. Thompson has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Thompson reported that he has driven straight trucks for 26 years, accumulating 1.1 million miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 2 years, accumulating 90,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Arizona. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Lorenzo Wade Mr. Wade, 48, has loss of vision in his right eye due to retinal damage from VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:27 Apr 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 broken blood vessels sustained as a child. The best corrected visual acuity in his right eye is 20/200 and in the left, 20/20. Following an examination in 2007, his optometrist noted, ‘‘I believe he has the vision necessary to continue to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle for his job, as he has done in the past.’’ Mr. Wade reported that he has driven straight trucks for 7 years, accumulating 68,600 miles. He holds a Class C operator’s license from California. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. James S. Wheeler Mr. Wheeler, 62, has complete loss of vision in his right eye due to a traumatic injury sustained in 1967. The best corrected visual acuity in his left eye is 20/20. Following an examination in 2006, his optometrist noted, ‘‘This patient has sufficient vision to perform driving tasks with commercial vehicles.’’ Mr. Wheeler reported that he has driven straight trucks for 32 years, accumulating 2.8 million miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 32 years, accumulating 2.4 million miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Mississippi. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Tommy N. Whitworth Mr. Whitworth, 53, has had amblyopia in his right eye since childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/50 and in the left, 20/20. Following an examination in 2006, his ophthalmologist noted, ‘‘In my opinion, this patient has sufficient visual acuity with both eyes open to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Whitworth reported that he has driven tractortrailer combinations for 20 years, accumulating 2 million miles, and buses for 1 1⁄2 years, accumulating 22,500 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Texas. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. James M. Williams Mr. Williams, 53, has had amblyopia in his right eye since birth. The best corrected visual acuity in his right eye is 20/400 and in the left, 20/20. Following an examination in 2006, his optometrist noted, ‘‘This person is capable of operating a commercial vehicle in any state without restriction.’’ Mr. Williams reported that he has driven straight trucks for 19 years, accumulating 475,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 16 years, PO 00000 Frm 00115 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 accumulating 320,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Virginia. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and one conviction for a moving violation in a CMV, failure to obey a traffic sign. Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA requests public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petitions described in this notice. The Agency will consider all comments received before the close of business May 30, 2007. Comments will be available for examination in the docket at the location listed under the ADDRESSES section of this notice. The Agency will file comments received after the comment closing date in the public docket, and will consider them to the extent practicable. In addition to late comments, FMCSA will also continue to file, in the public docket, relevant information that becomes available after the comment closing date. Interested persons should monitor the public docket for new material. Issued on: April 24, 2007. Pamela M. Pelcovits, Acting Associate Administrator, Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–8177 Filed 4–27–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA–2006–26600] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt fifty-five individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions are effective April 30, 2007. The exemptions expire on June 1, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 E:\FR\FM\30APN1.SGM 30APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 82 / Monday, April 30, 2007 / Notices a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Document Management System (DMS) at: https://dmses.dot.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// dms.dot.gov and/or Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of DOT’s dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, or other entity). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register (65 FR 19477, Apr. 11, 2000). This statement is also available at https://dms.dot.gov. Background On March 1, 2007, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal diabetes exemption applications from fifty-five individuals, and requested comments from the public (72 FR 9399). The public comment period closed on April 2, 2007 and two comments were received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the fifty-five applicants and determined that granting the exemptions to these individuals would achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3). The Agency would like to publish a correction to Mr. Cottongim’s profile. Mr. Cottongim was published as having an operator’s license from the State of Ohio when he actually holds an operator’s license from the State of Indiana. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Diabetes Mellitus and Driving Experience of the Applicants The Agency established the current standard for diabetes in 1970 because several risk studies indicated that diabetic drivers had a higher rate of crash involvement than the general population. The diabetes rule provides that ‘‘A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control’’ (49 CFR 391.41(b)(3)). VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:27 Apr 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 FMCSA established its diabetes exemption program, based on the Agency’s July 2000 study entitled ‘‘A Report to Congress on the Feasibility of a Program to Qualify Individuals with Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus to Operate in Interstate Commerce as Directed by the Transportation Act for the 21st Century.’’ The report concluded that a safe and practicable protocol to allow some drivers with Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus (ITDM) to operate CMVs is feasible. The 2003 notice in conjunction with the November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777) Federal Register Notice provides the current protocol for allowing such drivers to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. These fifty-five applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 40 years. These applicants report no hypoglycemic reaction that resulted in loss of consciousness or seizure, that required the assistance of another person, or resulted in impaired cognitive function without warning symptoms in the past 5 years (with one year of stability following any such episode). In each case, an endocrinologist has verified that the driver has demonstrated willingness to properly monitor and manage their diabetes, received education related to diabetes management, and is on a stable insulin regimen. These drivers report no other disqualifying conditions, including diabetes-related complications. Each meets the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The qualifications and medical condition of each applicant were stated and discussed in detail in the March 1, 2007, Federal Register Notice (72 FR 9399). Because there were no docket comments on the specific merits or qualifications of any applicant, we have not repeated the individual profiles here. Basis for Exemption Determination Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) if the exemption is likely to achieve an equivalent or greater level of safety than would be achieved without the exemption. The exemption allows the applicants to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. To evaluate the effect of these exemptions on safety, FMCSA considered medical reports about the applicants’ ITDM and vision, and reviewed the treating endocrinologist’s medical opinion related to the ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV while using insulin. Consequently, FMCSA finds that exempting these applicants from the PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21317 diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Conditions and Requirements The terms and conditions of the exemption will be provided to the applicants in the exemption document and they include the following: (1) That each individual submit a quarterly monitoring checklist completed by the treating endocrinologist as well as an annual checklist with a comprehensive medical evaluation; (2) that each individual reports within 2 business days of occurrence, all episodes of severe hypoglycemia, significant complications, or inability to manage diabetes; also, any involvement in an accident or any other adverse event in a CMV or personal vehicle, whether or not they are related to an episode of hypoglycemia; (3) that each individual provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (4) that each individual provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver’s qualification file, or keep a copy in his/her driver’s qualification file if he/she is selfemployed. The driver must also have a copy of the certification when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received two comments in this proceeding. The comments are considered and discussed below. A letter of recommendation was received in favor of granting the Federal diabetes exemption to Mr. Jamison P. Noel. It was written by Pamela R. Miller who states that Mr. Noel takes exceptional care of his health and is very responsible. The World Privacy Forum stated its concern that personal medical information tied to identifiable individuals is being published in the Federal Register. They are of the opinion that the disclosure of the medical status of these individuals can have negative consequences for them and their family members. The Transportation Equity Act (TEA 21), Section 4007 states that ‘‘upon receipt of an exemption request, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a notice explaining the request that has been filed and shall give the public an opportunity to inspect the safety analysis and any other relevant information known to the Secretary and to comment on the request. This E:\FR\FM\30APN1.SGM 30APN1 21318 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 82 / Monday, April 30, 2007 / Notices Issued on: April 24, 2007. Pamela M. Pelcovits, Acting Associate Administrator, Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7–8178 Filed 4–27–07; 8:45 am] Conclusion rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES subparagraph does not require the release of information protected by law from public disclosure.’’ The Agency publishes a profile on each individual that submits an application in order to provide the public with the information required by TEA 21. The Federal diabetes exemption application informs the applicant, in detail, of all information that will be published in the Federal Register related to their application. Therefore, each applicant is fully informed of this requirement prior to submitting their application. AGENCY: After considering the comments to the docket and based upon its evaluation of the fifty-five exemption applications, FMCSA exempts, James F. Andrews, Roger D. Balzan, Ronald K. Barker, James A. Bettis, Daniel W. Bezdek, James A. Burchette, Andrew J. Causey, Ross E. Cheney, Joan L. Chumney, Jerry R. Chandler, Leonard T. Coker, Robert S. Conchola, Sr., Robert M. Cottongim, Don C. Doerfler, Frederick J. Fath, Jason L. Freeseman, Rusty W. Frost, Marcel C. Gagnier, Steven A. Gibbs, Kenneth D. Gregory, Perry S. Green, Paul M. Harris, Andrew J. Hayek, Gary L. Koehn, Randall B. Kutzke, Michael J. Marlin, Marc K. Marsing, Frank J. Mattos, Winfred A. McMurray, Edward T. Megee, Steven T. Moody, Paul E. Mougin, Timothy W. Nelson, Richard W. Newman, Jamison P. Noel, Rex S. Norquist, Steven B. Novak, Lawrence E. Olson, Ronnie L. Patterson, Benigno A. Piedra, David L. Rice, Emiliano Rios, Russell D. Rockefeller, Matthew T. Russell, Larry V. Schwaller, Ellis D. Scott, Scott Sheerer, Lowell P. Smith, Richard L. Strange, Samuel G. Thiel, Robert J. Varetoni, Michael R. Vaupel, David G. White, and Ray W. Wright from the ITDM standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3), subject to the conditions listed under ‘‘Conditions and Requirements’’ above. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. If the exemption is still effective at the end of the 2-year period, the person may apply to FMCSA for a renewal under procedures in effect at that time. SUMMARY: As authorized by Public Law 105–383 and Public Law 107–295, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket MARAD–2007– 28000 at https://dms.dot.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Public Law 105–383 and MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the docket number of this notice and the vessel name in order for MARAD to properly consider the comments. Comments should also state the commenter’s interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388. DATES: Submit comments on or before May 30, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to docket number MARAD–2007–28000. Written comments may be submitted by hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL–401, Department of Transportation, 400 7th St., SW., Washington, DC 20590–0001. You may also send comments electronically via the Internet at https:// dmses.dot.gov/submit/. All comments VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:27 Apr 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD–2007–28000] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Invitation for public comments on a requested administrative waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws for the vessel RELAX A WILE. PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection and copying at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An electronic version of this document and all documents entered into this docket is available on the World Wide Web at https://dms.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joann Spittle, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, MAR–830 Room 7201, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202–366–5979. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As described by the applicant the intended service of the vessel RELAX A WILE is: Intended Use: ‘‘Charter (Coastwise trade 20%).’’ Geographic Region: ‘‘Inland and coastal waters of the east coast USA between Eastport, ME and Cedar Key, FL (Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, DE, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos Islands.’’ Privacy Act Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477–78) or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov. Dated: April 19, 2007. By order of the Maritime Administrator. Daron T. Threet, Secretary, Maritime Administration. [FR Doc. E7–8194 Filed 4–27–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–81–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council National Advisory Council public meeting. ACTION: SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration announces that the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) will hold a meeting to discuss progress on public and private sector recommendations from the Council’s Intermodal Report, expanded MTS education outreach, and regional MTS activities. A public E:\FR\FM\30APN1.SGM 30APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 82 (Monday, April 30, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21316-21318]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-8178]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2006-26600]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt fifty-five individuals 
from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes 
mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in 
interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to 
operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: The exemptions are effective April 30, 2007. The exemptions 
expire on June 1, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical 
Qualifications Division, (202) 366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30

[[Page 21317]]

a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Electronic Access

    You may see all the comments online through the Document Management 
System (DMS) at: https://dmses.dot.gov.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://dms.dot.gov and/or Room PL-401 on the 
plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of DOT's dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, or other 
entity). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register (65 FR 19477, Apr. 11, 2000). This statement is also 
available at https://dms.dot.gov.

Background

    On March 1, 2007, FMCSA published a notice of receipt of Federal 
diabetes exemption applications from fifty-five individuals, and 
requested comments from the public (72 FR 9399). The public comment 
period closed on April 2, 2007 and two comments were received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of the fifty-five applicants 
and determined that granting the exemptions to these individuals would 
achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level 
that would be achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(3). The Agency would like to publish a correction to Mr. 
Cottongim's profile. Mr. Cottongim was published as having an 
operator's license from the State of Ohio when he actually holds an 
operator's license from the State of Indiana.

Diabetes Mellitus and Driving Experience of the Applicants

    The Agency established the current standard for diabetes in 1970 
because several risk studies indicated that diabetic drivers had a 
higher rate of crash involvement than the general population. The 
diabetes rule provides that ``A person is physically qualified to drive 
a commercial motor vehicle if that person has no established medical 
history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring 
insulin for control'' (49 CFR 391.41(b)(3)).
    FMCSA established its diabetes exemption program, based on the 
Agency's July 2000 study entitled ``A Report to Congress on the 
Feasibility of a Program to Qualify Individuals with Insulin-Treated 
Diabetes Mellitus to Operate in Interstate Commerce as Directed by the 
Transportation Act for the 21st Century.'' The report concluded that a 
safe and practicable protocol to allow some drivers with Insulin-
Treated Diabetes Mellitus (ITDM) to operate CMVs is feasible. The 2003 
notice in conjunction with the November 8, 2005 (70 FR 67777) Federal 
Register Notice provides the current protocol for allowing such drivers 
to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
    These fifty-five applicants have had ITDM over a range of 1 to 40 
years. These applicants report no hypoglycemic reaction that resulted 
in loss of consciousness or seizure, that required the assistance of 
another person, or resulted in impaired cognitive function without 
warning symptoms in the past 5 years (with one year of stability 
following any such episode). In each case, an endocrinologist has 
verified that the driver has demonstrated willingness to properly 
monitor and manage their diabetes, received education related to 
diabetes management, and is on a stable insulin regimen. These drivers 
report no other disqualifying conditions, including diabetes-related 
complications. Each meets the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10).
    The qualifications and medical condition of each applicant were 
stated and discussed in detail in the March 1, 2007, Federal Register 
Notice (72 FR 9399). Because there were no docket comments on the 
specific merits or qualifications of any applicant, we have not 
repeated the individual profiles here.

Basis for Exemption Determination

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) if the exemption is 
likely to achieve an equivalent or greater level of safety than would 
be achieved without the exemption. The exemption allows the applicants 
to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
    To evaluate the effect of these exemptions on safety, FMCSA 
considered medical reports about the applicants' ITDM and vision, and 
reviewed the treating endocrinologist's medical opinion related to the 
ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV while using insulin.
    Consequently, FMCSA finds that exempting these applicants from the 
diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) is likely to achieve a level 
of safety equal to that existing without the exemption.

Conditions and Requirements

    The terms and conditions of the exemption will be provided to the 
applicants in the exemption document and they include the following: 
(1) That each individual submit a quarterly monitoring checklist 
completed by the treating endocrinologist as well as an annual 
checklist with a comprehensive medical evaluation; (2) that each 
individual reports within 2 business days of occurrence, all episodes 
of severe hypoglycemia, significant complications, or inability to 
manage diabetes; also, any involvement in an accident or any other 
adverse event in a CMV or personal vehicle, whether or not they are 
related to an episode of hypoglycemia; (3) that each individual provide 
a copy of the ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the medical 
examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (4) that 
each individual provide a copy of the annual medical certification to 
the employer for retention in the driver's qualification file, or keep 
a copy in his/her driver's qualification file if he/she is self-
employed. The driver must also have a copy of the certification when 
driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local 
enforcement official.

Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received two comments in this proceeding. The comments are 
considered and discussed below.
    A letter of recommendation was received in favor of granting the 
Federal diabetes exemption to Mr. Jamison P. Noel. It was written by 
Pamela R. Miller who states that Mr. Noel takes exceptional care of his 
health and is very responsible.
    The World Privacy Forum stated its concern that personal medical 
information tied to identifiable individuals is being published in the 
Federal Register. They are of the opinion that the disclosure of the 
medical status of these individuals can have negative consequences for 
them and their family members.
    The Transportation Equity Act (TEA 21), Section 4007 states that 
``upon receipt of an exemption request, the Secretary shall publish in 
the Federal Register a notice explaining the request that has been 
filed and shall give the public an opportunity to inspect the safety 
analysis and any other relevant information known to the Secretary and 
to comment on the request. This

[[Page 21318]]

subparagraph does not require the release of information protected by 
law from public disclosure.''
    The Agency publishes a profile on each individual that submits an 
application in order to provide the public with the information 
required by TEA 21. The Federal diabetes exemption application informs 
the applicant, in detail, of all information that will be published in 
the Federal Register related to their application. Therefore, each 
applicant is fully informed of this requirement prior to submitting 
their application.

Conclusion

    After considering the comments to the docket and based upon its 
evaluation of the fifty-five exemption applications, FMCSA exempts, 
James F. Andrews, Roger D. Balzan, Ronald K. Barker, James A. Bettis, 
Daniel W. Bezdek, James A. Burchette, Andrew J. Causey, Ross E. Cheney, 
Joan L. Chumney, Jerry R. Chandler, Leonard T. Coker, Robert S. 
Conchola, Sr., Robert M. Cottongim, Don C. Doerfler, Frederick J. Fath, 
Jason L. Freeseman, Rusty W. Frost, Marcel C. Gagnier, Steven A. Gibbs, 
Kenneth D. Gregory, Perry S. Green, Paul M. Harris, Andrew J. Hayek, 
Gary L. Koehn, Randall B. Kutzke, Michael J. Marlin, Marc K. Marsing, 
Frank J. Mattos, Winfred A. McMurray, Edward T. Megee, Steven T. Moody, 
Paul E. Mougin, Timothy W. Nelson, Richard W. Newman, Jamison P. Noel, 
Rex S. Norquist, Steven B. Novak, Lawrence E. Olson, Ronnie L. 
Patterson, Benigno A. Piedra, David L. Rice, Emiliano Rios, Russell D. 
Rockefeller, Matthew T. Russell, Larry V. Schwaller, Ellis D. Scott, 
Scott Sheerer, Lowell P. Smith, Richard L. Strange, Samuel G. Thiel, 
Robert J. Varetoni, Michael R. Vaupel, David G. White, and Ray W. 
Wright from the ITDM standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3), subject to the 
conditions listed under ``Conditions and Requirements'' above.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 each exemption will 
be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption 
will be revoked if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and 
conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower 
level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) 
continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals 
and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. If the exemption is 
still effective at the end of the 2-year period, the person may apply 
to FMCSA for a renewal under procedures in effect at that time.

    Issued on: April 24, 2007.
Pamela M. Pelcovits,
Acting Associate Administrator, Policy and Program Development.
[FR Doc. E7-8178 Filed 4-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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